What is the purpose of a counter drill?

The purpose of a counter drill is to create pilot holes before drilling. Pilot holes serve as guides for larger drill bits, helping to prevent the drill from wandering off the intended path when starting to drill into material. By establishing a smaller hole first, a counter drill ensures greater accuracy and control in the drilling process, which is especially important in precise applications like pipefitting. Properly drilled pilot holes can also minimize stress on the drill bit and the material, reducing the likelihood of damage during the drilling process.